WISCONSIN (NBC 26) — As many people turn to outdoor winter activities during the pandemic, one health official is warning people on the risk of frostbite and giving tips for preventing it.
According to Alexandria Lacey, assistant professor of surgery at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health as well as a UW Health burn and wound surgeon, there are some simple tips that can help prevent frostbite.
“Often it’s little things we just don’t think about, like making sure we have extra warm clothes in the car even for short drives,” said Lacey. “We just need to be cognizant of the weather and prepare for cold temperatures.”
Lacey explained that frostbite, which is technically a burn, happens when bare or under-protected skin is exposed to very cold temperatures that are well below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the temperature and skin exposure, frostbite can set in more quickly than most expect, within minutes when the air temperature or windchill get below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
When heading outside, Lacey suggested to always check the weather forecast and take the windchill into account in order to dress accordingly. Here are a few specific recommendations to prevent frostbite:
- Keep your clothing dry, especially gloves and socks
- Consider waterproof boots and gloves when outside for long periods of time
- Wear layers of clothing
- Add a windproof layer on days that windchill is a factor
- Avoid alcohol when doing outdoor activities as this can alter your perception of the temperature and cause dehydration
- Always have extra warm clothes and blankets in the car
- If planning for outdoor activities, make sure to let people know where you are going and when to expect you to come home
- Always watch your friends get into their home when you drop them off at night; don’t assume they made it in safe!
Signs of mild frostbite include hands or feet turning pink or red after rewarming with normal sensation restored, explained Lacey. If hands or feet appear purplish and are numb despite warming up, this is a sign of severe frostbite that requires immediate medical attention.
Additionally, Lacey said if large clear or bloody blisters form on your hands or feet after warming up, this is a sign of frostbite injury that requires emergency medical attention. Do not try to rewarm at home.
Following tips to protect yourself from frostbite is important, but you should also think of others in the winter to help prevent frostbite, Lacey added.
“We need to take care of each other in the winter, and we all have to the power to protect our friends, families and neighbors,” said Lacey. “When we see someone we know is at risk, say something or lend them an extra piece of clothing to cover up.”
